Former Ghana captain Asamoah Gyan has opened up in a compelling interview on the Meet Rio segment of the Rio Ferdinand Presents podcast, touching on pivotal moments of his career — including his move from the English Premier League and the miss that denied Ghana World Cup glory.
Gyan on the 2010 World Cup Penalty Moment
In a candid exchange with former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand, Gyan revisited the painful moment at the 2010 FIFA World Cup quarterfinals against Uruguay, when he missed a crucial late penalty that could have sent Ghana into the semifinals — a match many regard as one of the most dramatic in African football history.
Gyan revealed that the night before the game, he practiced penalties intensively — taking and scoring 20 in a row — underscoring his confidence in his ability from the spot.
“For me, as a footballer, I understand. He [Luis Suárez] did what he had to do to save his country. He cheated, yes, but he became a hero,” Gyan told Ferdinand. “I am the one who had the opportunity to punish him, and I didn’t. That is what hurts the most. It’s not about Suárez anymore; it’s about the fact that I didn’t finish the job. It’s something I will live with for the rest of my life.”
The interview sheds new light on the emotional legacy of that miss, which remains arguably the most defining moment of his international career.
On His Move From Sunderland to Al Ain
Gyan also reflected on his club career, particularly his surprising departure from Sunderland in the English Premier League to UAE side Al Ain — a move that raised eyebrows at the time.
The striker explained that the transfer occurred at the behest of Sunderland, which saw an opportunity to capitalise on a loan deal that was later converted into a permanent move.
“It was Sunderland who told me to leave because of the deal that came,” Gyan said. “It was a loan deal and they felt like they could capitalise on that, thinking that I’ll go for that deal and then I’ll come back.”
He added that while his initial intention had been to return to England after the loan, he “fell in love with the place” and ultimately committed to the permanent transfer.
Gyan went on to enjoy one of the most prolific phases of his club career at Al Ain, scoring 95 goals in 83 appearances before later moving to Shanghai SIPG in China.